Bescat walks

This is a family hike in the Ossau Valley, south of the city of Pau, between the villages of Bescat and Sévignacq-Meyracq. Mainly through the woods, it leads to the Tos de la Courade (tos = watering hole) and then joins theGR®78via a well-maintained path, before returning to the starting point. It overlooks the Ossau Valley to the south and, in the second part of the walk, the plain of Pau.

An easy, rural circular from Sainte-Colome in the Ossau Valley, alternating between beautiful woodland paths and farm tracks, offering a wonderful introduction to the Béarn foothills and the pretty village of Sainte Colome. Marked with PR®, then VTT and then GR®78.

Is it hot or grey? Here is a half-day forest trail that is perfect for children. However, avoid periods when it is too wet due to some slippery descents. At the top of the walk, you can enjoy a view of Arudy, and birds of prey are often visible. Above all, don't forget a torch to venture a little way into the cave. Opposite, the other cave, which is closed, contained prehistoric remains (on display at the Arudy museum).

On the way there, exceptional views of the Ossau Valley and the Pyrenees mountain range. On the way back, you will pass through the small village of Bescat. The walk is then more shaded.

A lovely hike in the hills between the village of Ogeu-les-Bains and the Gave d'Ossau, facing the Bois du Bager and the Pic d'Escurets. There is a beautiful view of the first ridge and the entrances to the Ossau and Aspe valleys.

This hike has a moderate elevation gain but is a bit long. The Pic d'Escurets is a magnificent viewpoint. From the summit, you can see the towns of Pau, Tarbes and Oloron-Sainte-Marie. And many peaks such as the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,872 m), the Balaitous, the Palas, the Lurien, the Gabizos massif, the Pic du Ger and many others. On the way down, the view of Benou is absolutely beautiful.

A fairly short but steep hike in places, well marked, with superb views of the foothills, the towns of Pau, Tarbes, Oloron, and also the peaks: Pic du Midi d'Ossau, Pic de Ger, etc.

Located 40 minutes from Pau, the Benou plateau is a well-known destination for families looking to get some fresh air in a beautiful pastoral setting. You can easily reach the famous stone circles (cromlechs), burial sites of our Iron Age ancestors (3,000 years ago) overlooking the Ossau Valley. And if you're feeling brave, head to the Pic d'Escurets to admire the panorama stretching from Tarbes to Bayonne. Superb!

Montagne du Rey, whose highest point is Soum de las Picarras (1,349 m), is the first peak in the Ossau valley and offers a superb 360° panoramic view from the Pau plain to the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

This is a fairly easy hike that leads to a very large summer pasture area. There is plenty of water in this area. It is suitable for families, with a simple return trip to the hut. This hike can be done on snowshoes. The entire circular hike requires a minimum sense of direction. The GPX track may be useful.

Easy hike to the Col d'Aran and the famous rock of the same name. And if snow prevents you from reaching the rock, walk along the ridge to the east and enjoy a very pretty view.

Pic d'Escurets is a small peak that can be easily reached in about 1½ hours. At the summit, a magnificent 360° view awaits you.

A short hike through woods and pastures, along easy mountain paths. From the summit, the view of the surrounding valleys and peaks is magnificent. This walk is certainly less crowded than those starting from the Benou plateau.

Loop in the foothills of the Béarn Pyrenees. Beautiful view of the Bruges Nay plains and, further away, towards Pau. Although Ossau is not visible, Durban, Montdragon and Moulle de Jaut beckon, inviting us to climb them soon.

First, discover the site itself, the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Piétat, built in 1661 by the inhabitants of the farming community of Pardies. The region is rich in history! Next, enjoy the splendid view of the Nay valley to the south-east of Pau, and another beautiful panorama of the Pyrenees from the sanctuary's orientation table. Finally, you can have fun discovering the fountains and other springs hidden in the woods and hills of the site....